The writer of Ecclesiastes left us a work that ties centuries together through common questions of existence. Then, as now, we humans hope to understand the will of God, and simply be inspired to act for the good of each other and the world we live in. The current moment in the life of St. Peter’s is no different, as the parish prepares to search and call a new rector. St. Peter’s does so in faith, remembering the writer of Ecclesiastes’ famous words, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Two things are happening simultaneously in this season of St. Peter’s. The search committee is formed and is preparing to embark on the work of researching, interviewing, and inviting candidates to be considered to be the next rector. The parish, meanwhile, is preparing its physical campus and fiscal budgets to be set and ready for the ministry of a new priest. The work of the search committee has been delegated to a committee. The work of the parish has been delegated to the rest of us.
Each October, St. Peter’s elects three new Vestry members and a set of four delegates for Diocesan Council. We will do this on October 25, after the 10:30 a.m. service. This month is also a time for the parish to be canvassed and asked to make a financial pledge to the mission and ministry of the church. This year, we have set a stewardship goal of $400,000 for the work we will do together in 2027. We will gather and bless the pledge cards on November 1.
The Acts of the Apostles remembers, “All who believed were together and had all things in common.” (Acts 2:44). The church’s finances are a common purse of sorts. Everyone is asked to make monetary gifts that are proportional to his or her financial ability. These gifts are made in the form of pledges, and these pledges are how the Vestry budgets for a fiscal year.
This season, the Vestry invites you to once again consider a pledged gift to the mission and ministry of St. Peter’s. A robust stewardship response will send a clear message to the next rector that the people of St. Peter’s have well prepared their campus and finances for a successful future.
The Vestry and I hope you will consider a gift to St. Peter’s for 2027. If you are a long-time member, we ask that you prayerfully consider an increased gift. If you are a new member, we ask that you make a new gift. If you are unsure, or would like to visit with me or any Vestry member, do not hesitate to reach out.
Allison and I continue to be grateful for this parish during this current season of our own lives. Your warm welcome, constant grace, and humor have been a blessing to us. While we cannot become your next rector, we are honored to do what we can to work with you to make things ready for a new clergyperson. When our new priest answers your call to move to Brenham, that priest will learn what the Millers have learned. St. Peter’s is a parish of distinction and substance that has served the Gospel faithfully since the first days of Texas.
Fr. Patrick+
Money Wise — August 2026 revenue performance
August 2026 Revenue Performance
Revenue goal
$29,986
Actual revenue
$66,721
Above goal
$36,735
August
Item
Actual
Budget
Over budget
% budget
Revenue
$66,721.06
$29,985.84
$36,735.22
222.51%
Expenditures
$33,893.96
$34,817.83
−$923.87
97.35%
Net operating revenue
$32,827.10
−$4,831.99
$37,659.09
−679.37%
Year to date
Item
Actual
Budget
Over budget
% budget
Revenue
$284,908.84
$260,099.72
$24,809.12
109.54%
Expenditures
$326,016.41
$321,310.83
$4,705.58
101.46%
Net operating revenue
−$41,107.57
−$61,211.11
$20,103.54
67.16%
Stewardship 2027
$400,000 goal — Practice · Prepare · Plan Practice our faith in action. Prepare for our next rector. Plan for the next generation. “One person gives freely yet gains even more. A generous person will prosper. Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” — Proverbs 11:24–25
Music Notes
Choir rehearsal: Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m. in the Choir Room. If you’re interested, you are welcome to join us. Contact Joanne Clark at (313) 319-4919 or music@stpetersbrenham.org.
From the Volunteer Coordinator
Special mention: Thank you to Mary Mabry, James Bobo, Brenda Schultz, Cherry Daughberg, Bev Baker, Gretchen Jones, Jennie Meyer, and Sally Stansell, who faithfully volunteer to fold and mail the newsletter each month.
Opportunities to serve: If you have a little time now and then and would like to serve, let Beth know. There is something for everyone. Contact Beth Appel at (979) 451-3020 or Bethappel1@gmail.com.
Special Events
Parish meeting and potluck — Sunday, October 25, after the 10:30 a.m. service. Elect Vestry members and Diocesan Council delegates. The church will provide fried chicken; members are asked to bring the rest. For information, call (979) 836-7248 or email admin@stpetersbrenham.org.
Faith Mission Pizza & Pumpkins — Wednesday, October 28. Watch for announcements and details on how to volunteer.
Weekly Events
Emergency Food Pantry: Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. More canned meals (soup, chili, pasta, etc.) would be welcome. Contact Joanne Clark at (313) 319-4919.
Wednesday Bible Study: Wednesdays, 10:00–11:30 a.m., in the Conference Room. The group is studying Revelation. Contact Nancy Leaton at (979) 251-0267.
Men’s Prayer Breakfast: Fridays at 8:30 a.m. in the Lower Deck for fellowship, breakfast, and prayer. Contact Lyn Reavis at (713) 569-7770.
Knit Together in Love: Thursdays, October 8 and 22, at 1:00 p.m. in the Conference Room. The group knits, crochets, shares stories, and gives lessons. Contact Nancy Leaton at (979) 251-0267.
Monthly Events
First Sunday Breakfast: Sunday, October 4, 9:00 a.m. in the Lower Deck, between the 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. services. A cereal option is available for children. Everyone is welcome.
Daughters of the King: Sunday, October 4, after the 10:30 a.m. service. Deb Pruitt and Denise Clark will host, and the program will focus on Rebekah. Paige Capobianco, Ivonne Galvis, Leigh Kent, and LaDonna Stubbs will be admitted to the Order during the 10:30 a.m. service on October 11. The group is collecting toiletries for Brenham Middle School. Contact Kathy Thompson at (512) 917-1566.
Junior Daughters of the King: Sunday, October 11, noon, in the Parish Hall Conference Room. Contact Nancy Leaton at (979) 251-0267.
St. Peter’s Book Club: Friday, October 16, 2:00 p.m. The group will discuss My Friends by Fredrik Backman. Brenda Schultz will provide refreshments. Contact Betty Fortner at (979) 203-4516.
St. Peter’s Ladies Lunch Gathering: Tuesday, October 13, at 11:30 a.m. at Texas Seafood & Steakhouse, 2209 S. Market St., Brenham. RSVP by October 11 to Kit Davis at holalolo2@yahoo.com or Kathy Thompson at kathompson554@gmail.com.
